CH6.2
Identify ways that First Nations, Métis, and Inuit artists express cultural identity in contemporary work.
Indicators for this outcome
(a)

Formulate questions and conduct an inquiry to discover how the work of various contemporary First Nations, Métis, and Inuit dance, drama, music, and visual artists expresses cultural identity.

(b)

Observe, listen to, and inquire about the traditional protocols that may affect contemporary arts expressions (e.g., What do Saulteaux Elders think about the inclusion of sacred aspects of culture such as painting on tipis by contemporary artists?).

(c)

Analyze and discuss how artists reflect cultural identity in their work.

(d)

Make connections between traditional expressions of cultural identity (e.g., throat singing, quill work) and the ideas of contemporary artists.

(e)

Engage in research (e.g., interviewing a group of women contemporary fancy dancers) to deepen understanding of how cultural identity is expressed in contemporary work.

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R104122
Eekwol’s Rhythm and Rap Show ft. Lindsay Knight. Grades 6, 7 & 8
Lindsay “Eekwol” Knight has been creating and performing hip hop music for many years. As an Indigenous artist, she draws on life experiences and collective histories within her work. As a mother she embraces the teachings of living in a good way for future generations. Eekwol engages schools in this knowledge and encourages them to reflect on their own understanding of “a good life” and then build these concepts and themes in the process of creative hip hop lyric writing. Through dance breaks, beat and rhythm identification and interactive step by step lyric writing, the kids access their creativity in a unique and powerful way.
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Media and Formats : Video
Price : Free
free
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saskatchewancontent
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rovervideo
Record posted/updated: March 24, 2021
R013575
Poetry and Oral Stories in the Classroom with ecoaborijanelle. Grades 5 & 6
Poet and performance artist ecoaborijanelle (Janelle Pewapsconias) inspires students to work on creative expression through the theme of "wellbeing" by connecting with their senses.
Media and Formats : Video
Price : Free
free
canadiancontent
saskatchewancontent
fnmicontent
rovervideo
Record posted/updated: April 4, 2022
R013963
Bison Truths with Kevin Wesaquate and Nyle Miigizi Johnston. Grades 6, 7 & 8
Kevin and Nyle explore Indigenous stories and storytelling. Students write their own stories and use them as the basis for a visual artwork that combines text, image and colour.
Media and Formats : Video
Price : Free
free
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saskatchewancontent
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rovervideo
Record posted/updated: June 17, 2020
R014333
Hip Hop Music with InfoRed and Emotionz. Grades 6, 7 & 8
Brad Bellegarde (InfoRed) and David Nelson (Emotionz) explore the four main elements of hip hop culture (MCing, DJing, graf writing and breakdancing). They demonstrate how the art forms of hip hop have the ability to educate and connect people with Indigenous history. Students have the opportunity to practice rapping, beatboxing and graf writing during the broadcast and also write a song collectively.
Media and Formats : Video
Price : Free
free
canadiancontent
saskatchewancontent
fnmicontent
rovervideo
Record posted/updated: June 24, 2020
R014530
metawe = To Play. Drama with Curtis Peeteetuce. Grades 5 & 6
We must continue speaking our Cree language. The revitalization of language and culture are vital to the rebuilding of community. In this workshop, educators and students revisit our mandate for play. Interactive elements include familiarizing ourselves with voice and body as we explore animal play of the Treaty 6 territory. These include bear (maskwa), eagle (kihew) and buffalo (paskwa-mostos). Language is also incorporated from a beginner level. As we choose to listen to the words and meanings of select Cree terms, we begin to understand how language is vital to identity. The workshop culminates in students playing animals and characters in an excerpt from Curtis Peeteetuce's youth play, kiwek, which is inspired by the film Jumanji. A talkback with students allows for post-performance discussion among the students and a chance to share what was learned.
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Media and Formats : Video
Price : Free
free
canadiancontent
saskatchewancontent
fnmicontent
rovervideo
Record posted/updated: June 17, 2020
R013537
Métis Art and Stories in the Classroom with Leah Marie Dorion. Grades 5 & 6
Why were bison essential to people living on the plains, prior to the time of Treaty negotiations (1870s)? What does the bison represent today? This LIVE Arts broadcast features contemporary artwork and storytelling by Métis artist Leah Marie Dorion, based on her children's book, "Métis Camp Circle: A Bison Culture Way of Life." Leah reads from the book, discusses the importance of bison (past and present), explains the use of Métis symbolism and discuss the composition and design of the illustrations. Leah guides students through a live drawing activity where they learn to draw and paint a bison as inspired by Leah's particular style of creating and imagery.
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Media and Formats : Video
Price : Free
free
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saskatchewancontent
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rovervideo
Record posted/updated: April 21, 2021
R013533
Métis Jigging Part 2. Grades 5, 6, 7 & 8
Krystle Pederson is a traditional jigger and Métis dance instructor. In Métis Jigging Part 2, Krystle talks about different styles of fiddle music and how jigging steps are incorporated into other styles of dance. Through demonstrations and practise, students build on the skills and knowledge gained in Part 1. Krystle introduces new jigging steps with an emphasis on travelling and working with a partner. She also demonstrates and shares her belief in the importance of community and working together.

PLEASE NOTE: Métis Jigging Part 2 builds on skills and knowledge from Part 1, which aired in 2015. Teachers should review Part 1 and its accompanying activities with their students before commencing Part 2.
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Media and Formats : Video
Price : Free
free
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rovervideo
Record posted/updated: April 4, 2022
R014339
Immemorial. Drama with Curtis Peeteetuce. Grade 6
Actor/playwright/director/musician Curtis Peeteetuce believes the arts are about expression, entertainment, education and empowerment. Utilizing a foundation of Cree culture, language and history, Curtis shares a performance-based presentation that engages students through storytelling, theatre activities and accomplished works. The workshop concludes with an inspired non-verbal, movement-based, storytelling piece entitled "Immemorial." This program is designed for those with little or no training in theatre.
(More information)
Media and Formats : Video
Price : Free
free
canadiancontent
saskatchewancontent
fnmicontent
rovervideo
Record posted/updated: June 17, 2020
R103698
Stories of Survival & Revenge from Inuit Folklore
Using comic book-inspired illustrations, this book presents three engaging folktales that give insight into Inuit oral history. Some of the stories may be disturbing for younger readers and would be more suitable for Middle Years and older. There is a section at the end of the book on understanding Inuit legends and lore as well as biographical information about the author and illustrator.
Media and Formats : Book
Price : See publisher.
Record posted/updated: June 15, 2022